World Architects Gather in Tirana, Albania's Capital: Attraction for Global Architectural Talent
In Tirana's throbbing heart, the dramatic transformation of Villa 31. On the 9th of April, this iconic site, steeped in the shadows of a tragic past, received a fresh lease of life. Politicians like Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, and France's deputy minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, graced the inauguration. But the most intriguing figure there was Frederic Jousset, a dynamic tycoon spearheading the Art Explora foundation.
Nestled within the lively Blloku neighborhood, Villa 31, once a residence that echoed the repressive, bloody regime of the infamous dictator Enver Hoxha, is now set to become a haven of artistic expression. This modernist-styled mansion will now serve as a cultural dwelling, with spaces for residencies, performances, concerts, conferences, all dedicated solely to art and creativity.
It was Edi Rama, the indomitable force shaping Albania's future, who set the ball rolling for this transformation. A man with an artistic soul - having been trained at the prestigious Beaux-Arts in Paris and represented by the illustrious Marian Goodman gallery - Edi Rama convinced Frederic Jousset, a billionaire benefactor and an ardent advocate of what he terms as "cultural democratization", to manage the place's operations. The architectural aspect was given to a French duo, Thibault Marca and Lucie Niney, the formidable team behind NeM agency.
Frederic Jousset is more than just a successful entrepreneur and art enthusiast. He is the founder and president of the Art Explora Foundation, recognized globally for his relentless efforts in promoting cultural democratization and making art accessible to all. Recently, Jousset and his foundation have been instrumental in significant cultural projects in Albania, particularly Villa 31, where he seeks to transform this historical site into a vibrant cultural hub. This project aligns perfectly with Jousset's vision of cultural democratization, aiming to foster artistic exchange and enrich Albania’s cultural landscape[5]. Moreover, Jousset has been honored with the Medal of the Prime Minister, the Great Star of Gratitude[4] for his contributions.
- Frederic Jousset, the founder and president of the Art Explora Foundation, embodied a successful entrepreneur and ardent art advocate, playing a significant role in the transformation of Villa 31 in Tirana.
- Edi Rama, Albania's prime minister and a trained artist, played a pivotal role in the transformation of Villa 31, persuading Frederic Jousset to manage the project's operations.
- The general news and political sphere witnessed the inauguration of Villa 31, with notable attendees including Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, and France's deputy minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad.
- In the heart of Tirana, the recently revitalized Villa 31, once a symbol of Albania's repressive past, is now set to embody a vibrant cultural hub, thanks to the efforts of Frederic Jousset and his Art Explora Foundation.
